Help with low muscle tone of mouth, awaiting OT Eval in July, 2012

by Maureen
(USA)

My son, Trevor, age 3, has been in speech therapy for a few months now and was diagnosed with a severe articulation disorder and a severe language delay. At his last session, a more senior speech therapist sat in, and after observing Trevor she highly recommended an OT evaluation (we took their next appointment, which is in July). They were concerned that Trevor never sits still, uses his palms more than his fingers, and he drools.

After researching these symptoms, I think he might have a sensory processing disorder. Other symptoms that he had are trouble nursing (I was told he was a "lazy sucker"), never held his own bottle, skipped over crawling. My main concern is (what I assume is) low muscle tone around his mouth—that could explain the drooling as well as his difficulty in moving his mouth to make different sounds. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for how I can work with Trevor until he is evaluated by the OT.

It also concerns me that he still cannot do the hand motions for “wheels go round and round”. I have found a lot of helpful information on this website but not much for helping with the mouth. I do not know of anyone who has been through something similar so any thoughts you have are appreciated! Thanks so much. Maureen

Comments for Help with low muscle tone of mouth, awaiting OT Eval in July, 2012

My son will be two in sept. no words yet! Since his SLP has advised me to get him a spin toothbrush has really awakened his mouth he makes lots of sounds but still does not imitate!

Jun 10, 2012Rating

more suggestionsby: Anonymous

My son has many of simularities when it comes to his low muscle tone in his mouth. He is three and still has many issues. We have been doing speech therapy since 18 months and lots of research on my end. We do all the suggestions on here and he has been progressing, its just moves slowly. Try having the child blow through the straw at a cotton ball and make it a game who can blow the cotton ball off the table. My son really likes this game. Also, sit the child in front of the mirror and play silly face games. Stick out your tongue, move it around, laugh so they will laugh. This is a fun way to strengthen.

Jun 07, 2012Rating

Orally hyposensitve?by: Anonymous

Sounds a lot like my son! Your little one sounds like he could be orally hyposensitive. How is his lateral tongue movement? Does he clear the food out of his cheeks when he eats or can he take bites? We thought my son was only to discover he would actually tear off pieces rather than taking bites. Does he like to mouth objects or suck his thumb often? Here are some suggestions from my son's SLP- only let him drink from a straw when possible to build muscle, get him some chew tubes or "chewelry", feed him something crunchy with EVERY meal, allow him to have fruit snacks or even sugar-free gum if he won't swallow it, or play a sucking game: give him a dum-dum lollipop and explain he can suck on it and you are going to try to pull it from his lips. Explain that if you get it, it goes in the trash. I know that's harsh, but if it happens once they take it seriously! ;-) If he has any feeding issues I believe your help will mostly come from an SLP unless he has low-tone all over. Hang in there- my son has made such great progress and yours will too!

Apr 14, 2012Rating

RE: low muscle tone of mouthby: Anonymous

Hello. My son turning two this july still drools. Does not know how to drink through a straw. i am trying to teach him but he prefers drinking straight in a cup. I don't know how to teach him too. Anyway, good luck.

Apr 14, 2012Rating

mouth helpby: Krista

I used to nanny for a young girl with low tone in her mouth (and now have a son with sensory disorder).

Her therapist would have her work on blowing bubbles from the wand. it was very difficult for her at first but did seem to strengthen her muscles. She also had her blow in a whistle or a recorder. It was a way to tighten her mouth for a result.Hope this helps!